Brian Schnupp, graphic designer for the Instructional Media department, has been chosen as the newest “Star Performer” at the UT Dental Branch.

The Star Performer Award has been newly developed by the Employee Relations Committee to honor a classified staff person each quarter. Schnupp is the second person to receive it.

Schnupp has been with the instructional media department for 25 years in a variety of positions, including photographer, audio video specialist, TV/Film specialist and graphic designer.

In his current role, Schnupp works with John O’Black, director of Instructional Media and Darrel Gonzales, audio video supervisor, to provide support for educational and administrative projects that take place within the school. Among other duties, Schnupp is involved in the design of student table clinics, brochures, advertisements, logos and much more.

“For the majority of the time I have worked here the Dental

Branch has provided a positive working environment with an administrative team that supports the work we do,” Schnupp said. “My reward is the ability to practice what I enjoy on a daily basis, but it is nice to be recognized. I thank the “Star Performer Award” committee for their vote of support.”

Schnupp came to the UT Dental Branch shortly after moving to Houston from Pittsburgh, where he earned an associate’s degree in Photography and Multimedia from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Schnupp and his wife, Connie, live in Sugar Land with their son Trevor, 12.

To nominate a Star Performer in your area visit:
http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/UTDB_eflash/archive/2006/061506_UTDB_eflash_extra.htm.

Jim Spence began computer programming in junior high. He taught himself how on an old TI994A his dad brought home from work and has been technologically entranced ever since.

But for the last seven years, Spence has found the real purpose for his talent – health care. Since 1995 he has worked in an information technology capacity for the UT Dental Branch and has loved every minute of it. “To be able to use my skills in an arena such as health care is truly fulfilling,” Spence said.

On May 12 Spence will accomplish a long sought-after milestone — earning his master’s degree. Spence will receive a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science with a specialization in Health Informatics from the University of North Texas – the third ranked program in the nation for programs of its kind.

Health informatics is the systematic study of information

in the health care delivery system – how it is captured, retrieved, and used in making decisions.

Spence also will be inducted into the prestigious Beta Phi Mu international Library and Information Sciences Studies Honor Society. Only 25 percent of the graduating class is admitted.

“This program has truly opened a whole new world to me. It taught me that collecting data is important, but not nearly as important if you don’t know how to turn that data into meaningful information.”

In his spare time, Spence enjoys mission work with his church – Willow Meadow Baptist. This summer they will travel to the Easter European country of Moldova, where they will work to establish team houses for young girls in an effort to help them escape sexual slavery.

Spence lives in Pearland with his wife of 13 years, Laurel and his three daughters Maddie, 7, Kate 4, and Julia, 1.